MAT TRAINING | studio

Our Mat Pilates education program merges our foundation in anatomy and alignment with contemporary Pilates movements, equipping you to build creative, progressive class sequences that grow in complexity. You’ll discover how to lead engaging, multidimensional classes that reflect the core principles of Pilates, while incorporating modern movements to ensure a smooth, flowing experience.

Through Niche’s Instructor Training program, you’ll develop expertise in our signature seamless flow method, from breathwork and gentle warm-ups to energizing sequences that elevate the heart rate. Through smart sequencing and transitional movement, you’ll avoid abrupt shifts and keep the momentum alive. Students will learn to confidently modify exercises for all levels, and gain the skills to empower clients—both on the mat and in their daily lives.

Equally important is the ability to balance demonstration with observation. You'll develop the awareness to cue clearly while staying engaged with your class, reading bodies in real time, offering individualized modifications, and using your voice and presence to encourage safe, effective movement. 

As part of the mat studio program, you'll have the opportunity to train in a fully equipped studio alongside fellow students and NIT trainers. You'll practice movements, demo sequences, and fine-tune your cueing and tone in real time. This immersive, hands-on experience offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant Niche Community—where we learn from each other, breathe creative energy into class plans, and encourage eacgh other to our greatest potential.

TRAINING STRUCTURE

studio training | 24 hours

Training will begin with an online module and three training days at our studio, followed by self-paced study and training dedicated to personal practice, observation, and practice teaching hours required for test out.

  • “Foundations of Anatomy” online module (6 hours): Taught by a licensed physical therapist, this course covers the essential building blocks of human movement including bones, muscles, and fascia, presented through a practical and accessible lens. You will also be introduced to core Pilates principles and fundamental movement concepts, giving you the anatomical awareness and movement literacy that will serve as the building blocks for the remainder of your training.

  • 3 training days (6 hours each): These are often spread across two weekends with allowance for self-study and practice in between. You’ll receive real-time demonstrations, hands-on practice with fellow students and guidance from instructor trainers, and become equipped with the technical proficiency to observe bodies in motion, cue efficiently and with precision, and design classes with intention.

SYLLABUS

DAY 1: FOUNDATIONAL CONCEPTS/ Technique & application I

Review core principles that support the Mat Pilates method: breath, alignment, form, control, connection and fluidity, with real-time demonstrations and execution of all mat exercises. You’ll examine the correct form and alignment of each exercise, evaluate primary muscle movers and stabilizers, discuss modifications and amplifications and understand how to structure movement across planes of motion to deliver balanced, dynamic classes.

DAY 2: technique & application II

Learn about contraindications, working with private clients, and become equipped with the technical proficiency to observe bodies in motion, identify common misalignments, and apply corrective strategies using the Niche cueing formula. Students will create class plans, apply knowledge and techniques through round-robin teaching exercises with peer-to-peer feedback and instructor trainer guidance to build confidence and capability in delivering mat-based movement safely and effectively.

day 3: Teaching Practice, Professional Standards, and Program Design

Learn how to foster a client-centered approach grounded in empathy, professionalism, and inclusivity by reviewing safety screenings, professional ethics and practices, teaching strategies, and how to develop a teaching presence and voice. Students will apply all previous training practices to design purposeful classes around functional themes that fit all levels, including integrating props and applying strength training concepts.

self-study and practice | 75 hours

Personal Practice, Teaching, and Observation Hours

  • Observation Hours (10)

    • 10 class observation hours and free access to Niche-On-Demand (up to 18 months) are included in the cost of your purchase.

    • Hours can also be fulfilled by watching online workouts on our YouTube channel.

  • Personal Practice Hours (20)

    • 10 Niche mat classes are included in the cost of your purchase.

    • Personal practice hours can also be fulfilled by following our workouts on Niche-On-Demand and YouTube channel.

  • Practice Teaching Hours (45)

    • Teach private practice sessions in one of our private rooms for just $5/session. We provide the space, and you bring the client!

All hours must be documented and submitted to education@nichefitstudio.com prior to registration for test out.

TEST OUT

There are three components to your test-out: Demonstration, Practical, and Written. The entire process will be conducted in person, and you will need to coordinate with a “client” to be present for the demonstration and practical parts of the test. Each aspect of the test out must be passed by a minimum 85% or more to pass:

  1. Demonstration (30 minutes): You will teach a 30-minute class to your “client”. You will receive guidance prior to your test out that provides an overview of what needs to be included in your demonstration. 

  2. Practical (30 minutes): Your instructor trainer will ask you situational and instructor-related questions, some of which may require you to demonstrate with your “client”.

  3. Written Exam: This will be an online test consisting of multiple choice questions. 

Registration for test out is $300 ($100 per component), which you can purchase after completion of studio training days. Test outs are scheduled once all practice hours are complete. You will send your tracking spreadsheet to our NIT Coordinator through the education@nichefitstudio.com email to coordinate the scheduling of your test out. Eligibility expires 18 months after your training begins. Each aspect of the test out must be passed by a minimum 85% or more to pass. 

Once you’ve successfully tested out, you will have the knowledge, experience, feedback, and a strong teaching foundation to help you launch your Pilates instructor journey successfully!

Pay in Full

$1,300

*Save $150 when paid in full
*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes "Foundations of Anatomy" course and all Mat Instructor Training coursework
  • 10 complimentary mat classes for personal practice hours
  • 10 complimentary observation hours
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT workshops
  • 10% off membership
  • Access to studio for practice teaching hours ($5/hour)
  • Niche class template
  • Demo opportunity to audition for Niche Pilates Studio

Pay Monthly

$120.83/mo.

*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes "Foundations of Anatomy" course and all Mat Instructor Training coursework
  • 10 complimentary mat classes for personal practice hours
  • 10 complimentary observation hours
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT workshops
  • 10% off membership
  • Access to studio for practice teaching hours ($5/hour)
  • Niche class template
  • Demo opportunity to audition for Niche Pilates Studio

MAT & REFORMER PACKAGE

Purchase our Mat and Reformer Training package and save $800!

Pay in Full

$3,700

*Save $150 when paid in full
*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes "Foundations of Anatomy" course and all Mat Instructor Training coursework
  • 10 mat classes + 10 reformer classes for personal practice hours
  • 10 observation hours for mat
  • 10 observation hours for reformer
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT workshops
  • 10% off membership
  • Access to studio for practice teaching hours ($5/hour)
  • Niche class template
  • Demo opportunity to audition for Niche Pilates Studio

Pay Monthly

$320.83/mo.

*Price increases in 2026

  • Includes "Foundations of Anatomy" course and all Mat Instructor Training coursework
  • 10 mat classes + 10 reformer classes for personal practice hours
  • 10 observation hours for mat
  • 10 complimentary observation hours for mat
  • 10 complimentary observaction hours for reformer
  • Access to Niche-On-Demand for personal practice and observation hours
  • 10% off NIT workshops
  • 10% off membership
  • Access to studio for practice teaching hours ($5/hour)
  • Niche class template
  • Demo opportunity to audition for Niche Pilates Studio

who is eligible for our niche instructor training program?

Our Niche Instructor Training program is open to everyone! If you’re looking to shift (or expand) your career or deepen your practice, our program is designed to fit for all. You can simply sign up and start your training upon purchase!

What if I can’t make it to all the training days?

Missed days can be made up by scheduling one-on-one training sessions for $100 per hour. If more than 1 day would be missed, please plan to attend the next round of training or sign up for our online program!

When can I begin the SELF-PRACTICE HOURS?

You can start working on your observation, personal practice, and practice teaching hours as early as your first training day!

HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE TO COMPLETE THE PROGRAM?

The time it takes to complete these hours will depend on the amount of time you can personally allocate per week towards this portion of your training:

  • 5 hours per week, complete training within X months

  • 10 hours per week, complete training within X months

  • 15 hours per week, complete training within X months

  • 20 hours per week, complete training within X months

WHAT DO I DO IF I HAVE QUESTIONS AFTER TRAINING DAYS?

You will receive a calendar link to schedule time with your instructor training after your training begins, or you can e-mail education@nichefitstudio.com to schedule a 1:1 consultation with one of our trainers!

How do I register for a test out?

In order to register for your test out, you must complete the following:

  • “Foundations of Anatomy” online module

  • All studio training days must be attended or made up.

  • Online quizzes must be passed at a minimum of 85%.

  • All observation, personal practice, and practice teaching hours must be fulfilled, documented, and submitted to the instructor training team.

Once you can complete these requirements, you will send your tracking spreadsheet to our NIT Coordinator through education@nichefitstudio.com and arrange your test out with an instructor trainer. Eligibility expires 18 months after your training begins. Each aspect of the test out must be passed by a minimum 85% or more to pass.

If one portion of your test out does not pass the minimum requirement, you can retake that portion for $100.

What if I want to take the training but don’t want to test out?

Testing out is optional! For students who are more aligned with the goal to learn versus the goal to teach, you don’t have to test out. Instructor training is a great way to help you understand your body and movement on a deeper level. If you elect not to test out, access to online material is removed after 18 months.

How long do I have access to the training material?

Students who test out (whether they pass or not) receive forever access to their training material. Students who do not test out will only have access for 18 months. 

Refund & Cancellation Policy

All purchases are final. If circumstances arise in the midst of training, you contact education@nichefitstudio.com to reschedule or adjust your training timeline.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Can’t make it to our studio? Learn more about our online program!